Prague & the Czech Republic Guidebook
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: The Jewish Quarter
Why: The PInkas Synagogue....the number of victims of the Holocaust just seems much more striking when you see the names all written out over every single interior wall. The cemetery is also amazing. Don't miss the Spanish Synagogue.
Worst: The Charles Bridge
Why: it is pretty and historic all that, BUT....it was so mobbed (in October) that you could barely stop to take a picture. The number of hawkers of caricatures and pictures, etc is so great that it detracts rather than enhances the enjoyment. We tried to avoid the bridge after awhile! I went back in the very early morning for some photos and there was no one on the bridge...much more evocative and enjoyable experience.
Joan in Fort Worth, TX USA 10/23/2011
Best: Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral
Why: Beautiful artwork.
Helen Kluck in Gloucester, MA USA 10/10/2011
Best: Commentaries on Catholic/Protestant issues
Why: While riding bicycle through Mikulov, Czech R, I read the commentary on the area's wines and discover my ancestors, the Anabaptists, now called Mennonites, had been to this area in the 1600s and saved the wine industry. While in Mikulov I contacted the Castle museum curator and told him my connections to this historic group. He gave my wife and I a private tour and I learned since returning to the states, the museum is going to have a dedicated section of the museum to this Anabaptist piece of history. He credits our visit and the interest we displayed. I credit the RS tour book for this incredible discovery I made.
Larry in Hauder, ID USA 09/29/2011
Best: Commentaries on Catholic/Protestant issues
Why: While riding bicycle through Mikulov, Czech R, I read the commentary on the area's wines and discover my ancestors, the Anabaptists, now called Mennonites, had been to this area in the 1600s and saved the wine industry. While in Mikulov I contacted the Castle museum curator and told him my connections to this historic group. He gave my wife and I a private tour and I learned since returning to the states, the museum is going to have a dedicated section of the museum to this Anabaptist piece of history. He credits our visit and the interest we displayed. I credit the RS tour book for this incredible discovery I made.
Larry in Hauder, ID USA 09/29/2011
Best: Nova Pec
Why: I hiked to Germany and Austria (just past the peak of Mt Plechy), and stayed at Pension Hubertus--which was lovely in every way. Thank you.
Julie Kurtz in Minneapolis, MN USA 07/05/2011
Best: All of it!
Why: As always, I loved and appreciated having your book on our vacation. It makes the whole trip so much more enjoyable.
Worst:
Why: I think the section on Prague should have a bit more history included.
Jenny Li in Dallas, TX USA 04/26/2011
Best: Self Guided Walks
Why: Rick has some great information on things that really help bring to life certain areas of town that many times eliminates the need for paying for someone to tell you similar information. Great if you are on a tight budget.
Worst: TI information
Why: not a big deal, but the TIs don't sell phone cards or book rooms in private homes.
Stefan Ferraro in Gatineau, QC Canada 03/09/2011
Best: Chesny Krumlov
Why: Steeped in history, well-kept, picture postcard perfect. Some English spoken. Even the castle is well preserved with many original furnishings. Good physical health required to make the climb (no steps) to the castle.
Marianne Findley in Columbus, OH USA 11/14/2010
Best: Martin Belohradsky-private guide
Why: We called Martin in the morning and amazingly he was available that afternoon for a 4 hour tour of Prague's architecture, focusing primarily on art-nouveau and art deco building but also taking in stuff from the 1300's to the Gehry building. His knowledge was catholic and erudite ranging from medieval European history to 20th century Czech composers like Borislav Martinu. His fees were very reasonable. Thanks Rick Steves for turning us on to him.
Larry Diller in Piedmont, CA USA 10/12/2010
Best: Personal guides - Praguewalker
Why: The provided a wonderful guide (Miche) who really knew her stuff. She gave an enjoyable tour that helped us understand the city.
Fulton Ervin in Florence, SC USA 09/26/2010
Best: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Jewish Town
Why: These places breathe with history. And the views of the city are absolutely amazing.
Julie Russell in San Francisco, CA USA 09/17/2010
Best: Mucha Sites - Museum and St Vitus window
Why: Do the museum first prior to going to Prague Castle and the Basilica of St Vitus. You will have a better understanding of the artist and the window.
Chris in Rochester, NY USA 08/23/2010
Best: Cesky Krumlov
Why: Awesome picturesque town and we were lucky to be there for the Festival of the Rose...what a sight! Loved it!
Beena Parekh in Midlothian, VA USA 06/29/2010
Best: mike's chauffeur service
Why: After driving around Germany, we dropped off our rental car in Dresden and used Mike's for the trip to Prague. We had asked for a 3 hour stopover in Terezin. The 3800 Czk quoted was very reasonable for 3 people. We expected to be simply dropped off in Terezin's main square for 3 hours. We were pleasantly surprised to be driven to the Small Fortress first, where an English-speaking tour guide had been booked for us, and when that was finished we were driven back to the town for an hour at the Ghetto Museum. What a great service! For 2 or more people, it's a cost-effective and easy trip compared to the train, cabs, etc.
KNS in San Diego, CA USA 06/16/2010
Best: PragueWalker-Katerina Svobodova
Why: our guide , Jana Michalska, from your recommended Prague Walker tour guides made our trip. She was wonderful and took the burden of where to go and how away from me.
DONALD DUNPHY in LANDSTUHL, GERMANY 06/07/2010
Best: Mike's Chauffeur
Why: We took the daytrip to Krumlov--also a great experience, along with the canoe trip, but be prepared for interesting navigation through the weirs that are a combination of a water ride and slight white water. Our driver to Krumlov, Rustim, not only efficiently transported us back and forth, but also offered stops in Ceske Budejovice, and provided us with tips on restaurants in both Krumlov and Prague that were all excellent. Using the private driver was more expensive than taking a bus, but allowed us to devote more hours to seeing and experiencing Krumlov since it takes less time. We also decided to book the transfer to the airport when we left Prague, and once again, the driver was on time, professional, and honest.
Worst: Trams
Why: "Worst" is a comparative term. Knowing where you are going is important. If possible, get a good map listing stop locations for the trams. The TI has a map showing dots for the stops (but no text for the stop names). Using this and the stop schedule for the trams, you can probably figure out where you need to go. The only map I had did not have these dots, but I managed to find the street name for where I was going, and a tram stop with that street name, and everything turned out ok. They are efficient and run very frequently.
R Lorber in Westminster, MD USA 06/06/2010
Worst: Mikes Chauffeur Service
Why: Our driver picked us up in Passau and drove us to Prague. He drove way too fast, text while driving and often drove over the live onto oncoming traffic. We feel lucky to be alive.
Susan in Southborough, Ma USA 06/05/2010
Best: Concerts
Why: Went to an organ-trumpet concert in the Old Town, and the Marionette Theater presentation of Don Giovanni by Mozart. Both fun things in addition to the wonderful sights. We bought a large marionette for a great souvenir from Prague!
Judy in Alexandria, MN USA 05/19/2010
Best: Thanks for recommending the Greek Orthodox Church off Resslova Street.
Why: I learned a new bit of history about World War II - the story of the brave paratroopers who wouldn't be taken alive. We took your suggestion and went across street to "By the Paratroopers" Pub and saluted them. Good food and beer at this pub, too.
Jill Burcum in Andover, MN USA 04/10/2010
Best: The Fortress
Why: The history. I walked around the grounds both in daytime and at night. The nighttime experience was very special.
Carol Fallon in Newport Beach, Ca USA 11/01/2009
Best: Cesky Krumlov
Why: The whole town--the streets, ths restaurants, the river-rafting, the views of the castle, the people, the churches--was a wonderful experience. It wasn't too crowded after about 4 and the evenings were breathtaking.
Worst: St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague
Why: The people were lined up outside at least 200 people deep--it was like they were getting on a ride at Disneyland. We actually decided to go badk a few hours later and it was crowded but not mobbed. Inside there was scaffolding and most of it was roped off. The stained glass windows were great though.
Julie in Provo, Ut USA 10/07/2009
Best: Andel District
Why: It is off the main tourist crush, but if you are familiar with Wim Wender's movie Wings of Desire, you can feel nicely impressed how a dead industrial district has become an international business sector with an organised access to most everything you may need to pick up before your next round of sightseeing.
Worst: Policie
Why: I have no problem with the police and the work they do, but after being used to the North American typical city police or the Canadian Mounties, to see police patrolling Wenceslaus Square with sub-machine guns was rather surprising and left me wondering the freedoms achieved after ending 40 years as a communist police state.
Mark L Kahnt in Kingston, ON Canada 10/03/2009
Worst: Golden Lane in Prague Castle
Why: Just a bunch of tourist shops. Wall-to-wall people.
Nova Fraser in San Diego, CA USA 08/14/2009
Best: Klementinum in Prague
Why: The tour now includes several rooms. The ornate medieval library with the huge collection of ancient books is one of the most outstanding sights we saw in this country. The views from the tower were incredible.
Chris Peter in El Cajon, CA USA 07/29/2009
Best: Magic Praha by Lida
Why: Lida is an absolute gem, Rick. I'm late in telling you so, but I emailed her on your book's advice after deciding to extend my stay and go "through the back door" after a 2007 jan.tour - she wrote back in less than an hour, booked me something wonderful (thurskova apts. near the castle) offered a friend to drive me to the airport (in the snow!) and was generally a delight!
Jennie in Washington DC, DC USA 07/10/2009
Worst: Baroque Theater Tour- Cesky Krumlov
Why: The cost of the Baroque Theater tour (English speaking) in Cesky Krumlov is now 380Kc not 180. The tour was way overpriced. You sit in the theater, take a quick look underneath the stage, and then they show you a video in Czech without any subtitles. They claim to have over 600 original costumes, but don't show you any. You don't get to see any dressing rooms or balconies, or actual set changes. The theater inside is beautiful, but you'd learn just as much by taking the cheaper Czech tour.
Sara in Farmington, MI USA 06/01/2009
Best: The catholic church in Prague
Why: Grately explained, and really good description
Suzanne Gardent in Prague 8, Czech Republic 05/11/2009
Best: St. Vitus Cathedral/Mucha Museum
Why: It's a beautiful cathedral, and the audioguide really made it come to life, it was really worth it. Loved the Mucha Museum as well.
Tracy Taylor in Copenhagen, Denmark 04/13/2009